[Pivli]

Violet tapped the chair to her left with her walking stick and bade Rose sit down. ‘Rose Woolcomb, you say,’ she said looking at the dark-haired lass. ‘I knew some Woolcombs. Lived up north a ways. Raised sheep.’

She cocked her head and looked closely at the girl’s features. ‘Would you be related to them by any chance?’

A server came by and left the ladies a generous basket of big, warm rolls along with butter and jams and honey. Three heaping bowls of stew soon found their place before each of the Hobbits, as well as a small pitcher of cider and three mugs. Violet could see that Rose was hungry, and Lilly, too, was looking with anticipation at her steaming bowl.

‘Go ahead, girls. Let’s dig in. Cook’s mutton stew smells wonderful and knowing her, I’m sure it tastes even better.’ She dipped her spoon into her bowl and popped the savory contents into her mouth. ‘Lovely! Just lovely!’ She chewed for a few moments, letting the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and spices play on her tongue. ‘Why that old fox!’ she said smiling, once she’d swallowed the tasty mouthful. I believe she’s put a wee bit of fennel in! Just enough to give a nice little aftertaste.’